Reptile Vault
Care Sheet
Generated May 18, 2026
reptilevault.com
Red-Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonarius
The red-footed tortoise is a medium-sized South American species excellent for keepers wanting a tropical tortoise without sulcata size. Named for red scales on legs, these personable tortoises reach 10-16 inches and are more social than most tortoises. Red-foots are unique in being more omnivorous - they consume fruit and occasional protein unlike Mediterranean tortoises. They require higher humidity (60-80%) and cannot tolerate frost. Cherry head red-foots are smaller and more colorful. With proper care they live 50+ years.
Quick Facts
Care Level
intermediate
Adult Size
10-16 inches (Cherry heads smaller)
Lifespan
50+ years
Diet Type
omnivore
Activity
diurnal
Temperament
docile
Group
tortoise
Origin
South America
Beginner Suitability
First Reptile?with research
Beginner Score7/10
⚠ Beginner Warnings
Higher humidity than Mediterranean tortoises, cannot tolerate cold, 50+ year commitment
Temperament & Handling
Temperamentdocile
Handling Tolerancegood
Handling Notes
Food-motivated. Often approach keepers.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Basking90°F
Ambient80°F
Night72°F
Basking 90-95°F, ambient 80-85°F. Night above 70°F.
Humidity
Target Range60% – 80%
Higher humidity 60-80% - critical difference from Mediterranean species.
Lighting & UVB
UVB RequiredYes — Required
Target UVI2.9-3.0
Lighting Notes
Ferguson Zone 2-3.
Enclosure
Minimum Size6x3 ft
Recommended Size8x4 ft or outdoor in warm climates
Enclosure Typeterrestrial
Substrate & Environment
Substrate TypeCypress mulch or coconut coir holding humidity.
Substrate Depth3-4 inches
Water Featureno
Water Notes
Shallow dish for soaking. Soak juveniles regularly.
Activity & Behavior
Activity Patterndiurnal
Social Behaviorcolonial
Cohabitation
More social - can keep groups with adequate space.
Red-Footed Tortoise
Care Sheet — Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition
Diet Typeomnivore
Feeding FrequencyDaily
Diet Notes
Omnivore - 50% vegetables, 30% fruit, 10-20% protein occasionally.
💊 Supplementation Schedule
Calcium 3-5x weekly. Cuttlebone available.
✅ Recommended Foods
| Food | Category | Ca:P | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collard Greens | leafy | 9.3 | staple |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | insect | 7 | staple |
| Mulberry Leaf | leafy | 5 | staple |
| Turnip Greens | leafy | 4.5 | staple |
🚫 Foods to Avoid
| Food | Toxicity | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ☠️ fatal | fruit |
| Fireflies | ☠️ fatal | insect |
| Foxglove | ☠️ fatal | flower |
| Garlic | ☠️ fatal | vegetable |
Red-Footed Tortoise
Care Sheet — Health & More
Health & Critical Care
MBD, pyramiding, respiratory infections, vitamin A deficiency
Health Notes
Pyramiding from inadequate humidity.
Breeding
Difficultymoderate
SeasonTriggered by humidity changes
Clutch Size2-15 eggs
Incubation130-180 days
Sexual Dimorphism
moderate
Breeding Notes
No brumation required - tropical species.
Cost & Availability
Price Rangemoderate
Availabilitymoderate
Native Habitat
Native RegionSouth America
Habitat Typerainforest
Climate Notes
Tropical forest floors. High humidity year-round.
Legal & Conservation
Conservation StatusVulnerable
CITES Listingappendix ii
Legal Restrictions
CITES Appendix II.
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